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Hi All, Seeking advise from those who had made purchases with a reliable PI and happy with their them (services, prices, etc.) We all have heard of one way or another of horrid experiences with PIs, but I am also sure there are genuine guys who are pleasant to deal with. Any recommendations from personal journeys? Also, other than the peace-of-mind distributorship between AD and non-AD and clearly price differential, are there any things to watch out for/differences between an AD and non-AD car, specifically for the Toyota Camry? Thanks.

Just sharing since Toyota is highly likely to release this in 2024, but whether it's PI or AD, remains to be seen.. The final name could be FJ or something else https://www.drive.com.au/news/details-leak-of-miniature-toyota-landcruiser-fj-a-suzuki-jimny-xl-rival/ "This suggests that the LandCruiser FJ will use the same Toyota iMV ladder-frame underpinnings as the Champ, albeit with a four-wheel-drive transfer case as opposed to the Champ’s rear-drive platform. With a wheelbase of between 2745mm and 2750mm (depending on application) the Toyota platform is longer than the new five-door Suzuki Jimny XL at 2590mm." This could very well be my next car.. Always wanted a SUV and something reliable but fun for my next one, that can carry people and has a higher hip point and is still funky, whilst being well built. Can't wait

Source: https://www.motor1.com/news/706112/toyota-gr-yaris-rz-sebastien-ogier-kalle-rovanpera-edition/ Almost a year to the day, Toyota announced two GR Yaris "concepts" at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon. They were the GR Yaris RZ Kalle Rovanpera and Sebastien Ogier Editions, wearing special appearance packages and tuned with bespoke drive modes befitting the WRC drivers for which they're named. The concepts came with a promise that, eventually, folks could buy one. That time has finally come. In the year that's passed since the debut, the GR Yaris received a big facelift. So the new models look a bit different. The core elements are the same though; Ogier's car is finished in a dark shade called Matte Stealth Gray, which helps accentuate the blue brake calipers behind those sharp 18-inch BBS wheels. A special rally spoiler made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic adorns the hatch, and you'll find a few decals honoring Ogier's WRC success and his home country of France. Rovanpera's car is brighter, wearing a version of his three-tone racing livery with special logos and WRC accolades. The rear wing is identical to that on the GRMN Yaris. Moving inside, both cars have special badging and contrast stitching unique to each edition. You'll also find exclusive full TFT gauge displays that show specific drive modes for each car. But the modes are far different than the gravel and track settings you'd find on a normal GR Yaris. The Ogier Edition gains Morzio Mode, which Toyota describes as "restraint (direct connection) maximally applied to the front and rear wheels during acceleration and relaxed only as necessary during braking." You also get SEB Mode, named for Ogier and tuned to send more power to the rear wheels versus the As for the colorful Rovanpera Edition, it gains a colorfully named Donut Mode which ensures "slide control during drifting." That sounds like a drift mode to us. There's also the KALLE Mode, which incorporates a different rear differential for "aggressively swinging out the vehicle's rear when entering a curve and pulling forward the vehicle's front using the accelerator." That also sounds like a drift mode to us, but one with a bit more emphasis on getting very sideways. Obviously, these special editions won't head to America, as the GR Yaris isn't sold here. Toyota will build just 200 total – 100 each – and you'll have to participate in a lottery starting in the spring for the chance to buy one. So the odds of seeing them anywhere will be very slim. Should you be chosen, you'll get the car and some neat VIP perks like meeting the drivers. There's no mention of price, though we suspect these cars will be a bit more expensive than your average GR Yaris.

As the camcar so aptly put it, “this one not happy le” What happened? Just yesterday on Ang Mo Kio Ave 9, a poor Kia Seltos got the tongue lashing of their year after turning in just a bit too soon and tight on a Toyota Axio. Looking at the video, you might be thinking “eh he turn right but not in the correct lane, then his fault lah”. WRONG. As we can see from the above photo, the Kia is perfectly within their rights to make a right turn despite not being in the right-most lane. Now, is that an excuse for turning a bit too early and risking an accident? Probably not. But they could be a new and inexperienced driver. Rookie mistake, totally understandable. The Toyota driver DID NOT care. Bro pulled up and blocked the Kia’s path to make sure there could be no escape. As usual, someone please translate whatever the driver said. All I know is that if it was in Cantonese it would be far more severe. After that, he just got back into his car and carried on with their day. Not sure why it was so short, if he was willing to get out of the car to scold them. Online chatter People agreed it was the Kia’s fault, by turning so tightly an accident could have happened. Others also praised the Toyota for the scolding. Which is probably good, the Kia will consider their turning radius a bit more in the future. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

Source: https://insideevs.com/news/694239/toyota-cuts-ev-sales-expectations-record-profit/ Toyota Motor Corp. lowered its electric vehicle sales expectations for this fiscal year by a rather significant 39 percent, from an initial 202,000 units to a less-than-stellar figure of 123,000, the company said in its second-quarter financial report. However, let’s not forget that the Japanese company is one of the three biggest carmakers in the world and that its EV portfolio is pretty sparse, at least at the moment, so it’s no surprise that Toyota is leaning on its internal combustion and hybrid models to help it reach record profits by the end of this fiscal year that closes on March 31, 2024. Previously, the Japanese group predicted that its operating profit would match a record-high level of 3 trillion yen ($20.1 billion), but with the latest financial report, that prediction has gone up to 4.5 trillion yen ($30.15 billion). Until the fiscal year ends, Toyota wants to sell 3.6 million traditional hybrids worldwide, up from an earlier outlook of 3.5 million, while total electrified vehicle sales – including EVs, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles – are expected to reach 3.9 million, up 42 percent from the previous fiscal year. Electrified vehicles will account for about 37 percent of the carmaker’s total sales. In total, the Toyota and Lexus marques are expected to manufacture a record 10.1 million vehicles this fiscal year, while the outlook for consolidated global retail sales has gone up to a record 11.38 million units in the current fiscal year. In the last fiscal quarter, Toyota registered a pretty rare double-digit operating profit margin of 12.6 percent worldwide, more than double the year before when it had a margin of 6.1 percent.

Source: https://uk.motor1.com/news/692411/toyota-direct-automatic-transmission-anticipates-shifts/ In 2023, automakers are eager to talk about that hot-new electric motor or battery pack that will be going into the next-generation EVs. Toyota is also dead set on electrifying its lineup from top to bottom, but it believes the transition shouldn't be rushed. In the meantime, it's still working on new hardware intended for cars with internal combustion engines. It's a sign the Japanese brand believes the ol' ICE isn't on its deathbed just yet. After Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda referred to the upcoming Direct Automatic Transmission as being a game changer, Japanese racing driver Hiroaki Ishiura is also praising DAT. He tested a GR Yaris with the new slushbox and is confident it's faster than a manual, so much so you won't be losing any time while going through the gears on a race track. Speaking for the official Toyota Times magazine, Hiroaki Ishiura added: "It locks in from the moment you set off, responding linearly to gas pedal input and allowing you to shave time off your laps without any loss. DAT senses when you're braking fully and downshifts for you to prepare for the next acceleration. It anticipates the actions ahead, just as we normally do when driving." Toyota says it has been working on this new gearbox since the second half of 2020. Although it's only been tested in motorsport so far, reports from Japan state the GR Yaris will get an eight-speed, torque-converter automatic in 2024. For now, the official word is that DAT is being developed to encourage more people to get into motorsport by making it easier to race after removing the clutch pedal. Hiroaki Ishiura says a conventional automatic transmission "feels slippery" and provides "little sense of a direct connection" whereas DAT mimics the behaviour of a driver that rows their own gears. The engineering team came up with the idea of a faster automatic after Akio Toyoda said he wanted "to spread the joy of driving" because not a lot of people know how to drive a manual.

This thread is set up for discussions on anything technical, features or use relating to Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as well as Driving Assists which have become mainstream. Version 2.5 and 2.5+ are also welcome. Where possible, please indicate car/model as well as version for ease of discussion. Also include the acronyms like PCS, DRCC, AEB, ESA, RSA, LTA, VSC, TRC, etc. It is not for the discussion on the price or cost related issues, and comparison with other makes/models and similar irrelevances.

Source: https://insideevs.com/news/685267/toyota-hilux-hydrogen-fuel-cell-prototype/ Toyota built its first Hilux Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototype at its Burnaston vehicle plant in Derby, England. It is a joint project with consortium partners and was supported by UK government funding. The automaker intends to build 10 of them before the end of the year. This Hilux's powertrain uses parts from the Toyota Mirai. The automaker estimates that it has a range of 365 miles between hydrogen refills. For comparison, the Australian-market Hilux with the turbodiesel 2.8-liter engine can go about 715 miles (1,150 kilometers) between fill-ups. Images show that the hydrogen tanks fit between the frame rails roughly where the cabin fits. The other fuel cell components are under the hood, where the combustion engine usually is. The battery is at the rear. Toyota started this project in early 2022 as a feasibility study. Design and development began on July 1, 2022. The company started building a prototype on June 5, 2023. The automaker intends to put the 10 prototypes through testing to make sure the model lives up to the Hilux's rugged legacy. Toyota is prepping safety performance, functionality, and durability tests for them. The company wants to understand the opportunities and risks of a fuel-cell-powered pickup. In December 2022, Toyota showed off the electric Hilux Revo BEV Concept. The automaker didn't release any details about the truck at that time, like battery or motor specifications. During the presentation, Akio Toyoda said, "BEVs are not the only way to achieve the world’s carbon neutrality goals." Also in 2022, Toyota announced that it intended to build a light-duty pickup with a hydrogen fuel cell as a joint project with Isuzu and Hino. The company didn't specify a time frame for putting this model into production. Toyota is also considering whether to make a fuel-cell-powered version of the Land Cruiser. Plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions are also a possibility. At this point, it's not clear which, if any of these, would actually go into production.

After the Corolla Cross and new Crown, another iconic Toyota model has been SUV-nised... I seriously hope the trend will stop soon. @Toeknee_33what's your thought? Toyota announced the debut of an all-new model on September 6, which will be streamed live on YouTube from Tokyo, Japan. The automaker didn’t name the model but the official teaser photos showing portions of the front and rear suggest it will be the already-confirmed Century-branded SUV. Stay tuned for more updates. 🙂

The MPV look gigantic in size (5 mm shy of 5 m from end to end), and finally available in 2.4L Turbo, producing a healthy 275 horsepower and 430 NM. Toyota has unveiled the fourth-generation Alphard alongside the Vellfire. These follow the recently introduced posh Lexus LM, a mechanically related vehicle based on the same TNGA-K platform. The twin are the first Toyota models to have steps on both left and right sliding doors, with a step emerging about 220 millimeters above ground. The boxy minivans are 4995 mm long and share a massive wheelbase stretching at 3000 mm. Both are 1850 mm wide while height depends on the model and trim level, either 1935 mm or 1945 mm. The Alphard and Vellfire can seat up to six people in a 2+2+2 layout with second-row captain's chairs. There's now an extra 5 mm between the first two rows and an additional 10 mm between the second and third rows. Both can be had with front- or all-wheel drive as well as a hybrid powertrain, with a plug-in hybrid setup to be added later. The most powerful of the bunch is a turbocharged 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine available in the Vellfire. "Tuned to deliver a sporty sound," it makes 275 hp (205 kilowatts) and 430 Newton-meters of torque. Customers can also pick a hybrid based on a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with a combined output of 250 hp (184 kW). Lesser Alphard models have a non-electrified, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter, four-cylinder unit with 180 hp (134 kW) and 235 NM. Depending on the engine, the minivans come with a CVT, an e-CVT, or an eight-speed automatic.

Got money but no manners. Or basic human decency. Watch the video to see why. What happened? On 10 June, last Saturday at the Johor-Singapore Causeway, a Malaysian Toyota Alphard decided that it would be better to risk going to jail and injuring a traffic marshal instead of facing the consequences. The Toyota was seen driving on the bus-lorry lane. This is seen as soon after it passes by the camcar on screen, a bus appears behind the Alphard. This did not go unnoticed by traffic marshals either, who were shown telling the Toyota to turn around and go to the start of the queue. Making a move to go to the right, the Toyota made a feint as if to comply before righting itself and going full speed ahead, before the officers could do something. If the officers made a move to block the Alphard from continuing straight, it is likely injuries would have occurred. Online chatter Many are angry that the Toyota driver can behave in such a manner, and call for punishments such as jail or being banned from entering Singapore again. Others are resigned, saying that the driver can simply come back to Singapore with new plates and get away scot-free. Punishment? The comments about swapping plates intrigued me. So I did some research about what measures are there to find this person again. If you don’t know, when travelling by car on the Causeway you need a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)/ Autopass card. This card would require your registration with your passport or identification card. So in theory, even if the driver comes back with a different number plate, the authorities can still catch them by looking at the current name attached to the current number plate and blacklist it! This way, the driver will be caught on their next attempt to come to Singapore. Here’s to hoping the law prevails. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

The upcoming national car of Singapore, brought to you by Grab, Gojek, Ryde, Tada, GetGo, Tribecar, etc. 🙃 Toyota’s prototype for the upcoming new C-HR has been spied testing ahead of an expected launch in late 2023 https://www.autodaily.com.au/2024-toyota-c-hr-spied-for-the-first-time/ Due on sale by 2024, the Mk2 C-HR will be a close sibling to the new Toyota Prius, underpinned by the same TNGA platform and offered with the same mix of parallel-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The latter will be a variation of the Prius’s PHEV set-up, pairing a 110kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 118kW electric motor on the front axle for a combined 165kW. That’s a 30kW boost over the current (2.0-litre parallel-hybrid) C-HR. Should the C-HR also borrow the Prius’s 13.6kWh battery (a likelihood to exploit economies of scale and cut costs), an 80km electric-only range may be within reach. Alongside the technical reinvention, the C-HR will be restyled with a focus on the new-look ‘Hammerhead’ front-end design being rolled out across the line-up to give Toyota cars a common identity. Camouflage hides just how closely related to the concept the production car will be, but clearly the distinctive C-shaped headlights and wraparound rear light bar will make it through to showrooms. The C-HR may also gain a battery-electric variant, placing it directly in competition with the triple-powertrain Niro. Spy photographer claimed this test car is a pure-EV proposition, suggesting Toyota’s Small SU EV concept from 2021 – itself almost identical to the more recent C-HR concept – is nearing fruition. Toyota hasn’t confirmed whether an electric C-HR is in the works and wasn’t available to comment on these latest images, but the fundamental similarities between the C-HR’s TNGA platform and the EV-only E-TNGA architecture mean it would no doubt be a technical feasibility. An electric version of the C-HR would be positioned below a larger electric coupé-SUV, known at concept stage as the bZ Compact Crossover concept, which will itself sit underneath today’s bZ4X in an expanded Toyota SUV line-up.

TL;DR - Singapore Traffic Police crack down on Lalamove’s dangerous driving and wreaking havoc on the streets Toyota Hiace driver's reckless drive land him in a joyous ride to the police station Watch this 2 minute video of the driver getting nabbed (and his partner just randomly laying on the ground). What happened? A Toyota Hiace driver was recently arrested by the Traffic Police after crashing into a walkway along Jalan Sultan *school zone*. The incident caused damage to both the vehicle and the surrounding area. The driver was allegedly speeding when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the walkway. The impact was so severe that it caused the steel railing to fall off onto the ground. The Singapore Traffic Police were alerted to the incident and arrived on the scene shortly after. The driver was immediately arrested with handcuffs. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of accidents caused by reckless driving, particularly among younger drivers. The authorities have responded by stepping up enforcement efforts and implementing tougher penalties for offenders. The consequences of reckless driving can be severe, both for the driver and for innocent bystanders. Not only can it result in injury or death, but it can also lead to legal and financial repercussions, such as fines, demerit points, and even imprisonment. Online Chat If I may ask, what is the guy lying down on the ground for...? Do you think the driver was under the influence of drugs/alcohol or do you think he was just simply a reckless driver, driving without due care? Comment down below! Takeaway The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of obeying traffic laws. Singapore has some of the strictest traffic regulations in the world, and the authorities are very, very quick to take action against anyone who flouts the rules. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

As expensive as cars are nowadays, I doubt this driver has enough money to get away from the consequences if this almost turned into a snuff film. What happened? On the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) a cambike was just minding its own business when a Toyota Sienta forced its way through on the same lane. You can hear the cambike swear at the car after the near miss. I would too if I almost died like that. Unfortunately, it also seems that the penalty for vehicular manslaughter is surprisingly low. Motorists caught causing death performing a negligent act may be punished with imprisonment for no longer than 5 years, or with a fine or with both. It is also not guaranteed to ban the offender from driving for life, and can instead be reduced to a period of time as the court sees fit. Online chatter. The driver was of course criticised for his dangerous driving. The car being under the Private Hire scheme didn’t help and added to the driver’s ridicule (and the bad rep of PHV drivers). Someone in the comments had an interesting plan to get an insurance claim and commit insurance fraud. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

Source: https://hypebeast.com/2023/4/toyota-prius-prime-xse-2023-early-look Toyota has just revealed its latest Prius Prime model for 2023 and, with its clear restyling and hybrid performance improvements from the previous generation, it could be the new choice for the discerning car consumer in a “sea of electricity.” The all-new Prius – which was announced earlier this year – arrived with fanfare around its substantially new design, and the Prime maximizes itself in the looks department. To summarize, the Prius Prime is sleek, with a radically raked front windshield that’s more “sports coupe” than “efficient city car.” A sloping rear roof that drops off suddenly at the hatch lip gives an almost boxy-yet-futuristic angle to the rear, while a flat rear bumper complements the front’s near-90º angled fascia. Speaking of the rear, the Prime is actually wider than the previous generation, which is a bold move from Toyota since a wider stance would actually harm efficiency. More on that and these decisions later. The Prime XSE Premium is also equipped with 19” machine-finished wheels that sit two inches lower than the previous generation. This stance and the large wheels give the appearance of aggression and again goes against the grain of efficiency, yet works well with the Prius Prime’s appeal. Sharp angular LED headlights, a low and pronounced front air dam, rear LED light bar and rear door handles at the C-pillar are other visual choices that make the new Prius Prime stand out. Inside, the cabin feels more refined and evolutionary, with driver-passenger enhancements to touch points and visuals being the main takeaway. Dashes of red – at the dashboard, shifter and even on the seats – adorned our test car’s interior that gave the rather-boring black upholstery a much needed pop. We also liked the dual digital screens, acting as the gauge cluster and infotainment center. Bonus points for all the climate controls being accessible through knobs and buttons rather than within menus, and for the volume knob too although it was a bit far for the driver to reach. The most surprising element within the cabin was the steering wheel, which felt small in hand, giving the impression that whoever designed it had handling and dare-we-say “sportiness” in mind. Performance-wise, the Prius isn’t a sports car, but has shown improvement over the last gen. Inside are two motors: a 2.0L gas-powered engine good for 150 horsepower, and a 161 hp electric motor working in conjunction. The net total of both comes to 220 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque that allows the Prius Prime to accelerate from 0-60 in 6.6 seconds – the previous Prius was up in the sevens. While not sports car territory, acceleration in six seconds is competitive against the Audi A3 e-tron Sportback at 6.5s, the BMW i3 at 6.6s and even the turbo-four cylinder Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 at 6.5s. Overall the car felt zippy when it needed to be and the power should be more than enough for most people, but certainly not for the enthusiasts. So why did Toyota create a new Prius with big wheels, a wider body and a lower stance, all of which go against the ideals of maximum efficiency? For once, the hybrid Prius is a contender against the “new norm” of electric cars you see on the road. The Prius’s design alone adds a new layer for consumers in search of a car that looks great and drives well, even if it sacrifices a bit of efficiency. Back in the early 2000s, most can remember looking at the Prius and scorning it for being bland and boring; for Toyota to flip that script and now be considered an alternative to a new defacto is invariably a bold statement, and that’s what makes the new Prius different, daring, and possibly even “cool.” The Toyota Prius Prime XSE Premium starts at $39,170 USD and begins shipping in May. If you’re looking for something from Toyota that’s no compromises, the GR Corolla is the latest in the sporty offerings department.

A Mini Cooper S launched itself at a Toyota camcar in Kluang, causing a massive jam and turning both cars into wrecks on their sides. What happened? The camcar was sitting at the junction when the Mini turned in towards the camcar's right, going too fast and hitting the camcar head on. This resulted in both cars being flipped on their side. We can see in the video that debris littered the road, metal and glass coming from the damaged bodywork of both cars. Some passersby helped out to get the cars back on their wheels in order to be towed away. The accident caused a traffic jam that went for an unknown distance. The conditions of the drivers are unknown. Online chatter Many people were angered by the Mini’s unsafe driving, and took note of its Singapore registration to use it as an example of bad Singaporean drivers. Some also made fun of the Mini’s spoiler, which was unable to give it enough downforce to keep from flipping. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

TL;DR – A Toyota Allion hits the brakes and hazard lights just before an ERP gantry. Netizens try to rationalise this selfish and entitled behaviour. With ERPs back in operation, it is no surprise to see incidents like this occurring. For example, the ERP gantry along the AYE just before or after the Celemti Ave 6 exit. Back when I lived in the West (for a short time), I would always see cars and motorbikes parked near the bus stop or road shoulder to avoid paying the ERP toll. Today’s incident might be a little different, maybe? Let’s watch the minute-long video and find out your opinion. What happened? A Toyota Allion hits the brakes and its hazard lights just before entering an ERP gantry along the PIE at the Mount Pleasant exit. The cam car directly behind the Allion is having none of it, and after blasting two words in Hokkien (hint it involves the female genitalia), he doesn’t hide his displeasure with a long, angry horn. Did the Allion try to evade the toll? I decided to do some research. Honestly, it’s peanuts compared to some ERP gantries closer to or in town. But I digress. Let’s have a look at the time indicated on the gantry in question. It’s 8.41 at $1.00. Yes, the next time period would be $0.50, but do you think the driver is doing that to evade paying $0.50? Is the answer obvious yet? With the facts in front of us, I think it’s highly likely a case of ‘forgot to put the cashcard in the IU'. The charge is $10. I kena before. That being said, I agree that what the Allion did was dangerous for vehicles directly behind it. But the cam car driver could have practiced more patience. He just sounds like a grouch. Online Chatter There are of course people who think it was very inconsiderate and dangerous. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

This Toyota Wish was treated better than I was when growing up. Watch the video to see why. What happened? At Gelang Patah R&R, a Toyota Wish was spotted being given some special treatment while refuelling. It was gently rocked by its driver and assisted by an attendant in a tender effort to quench the car’s thirst for fuel. I’m jealous. Why couldn’t my parents treat me this way? Looking at this did make me curious though. Does shaking the car do anything at all? Short answer: No. Nope. First, your car has a fixed capacity fuel tank (duh), if it is not fixed and can somehow fill up indefinitely, please contact us at [email protected]. However, the theory is that when filling up petrol there are air pockets that form during the process. This reduces the amount of petrol that one can pump into their car, wasting time and money. Think of it like a soft drink can, where there’s always air in the can so the can is never truly full. However, rocking isn’t the way to solve this. In CNA’s Talking Point episode 32, the director of Mister Garage, Vincent Emmanuel Lee debunked this myth, saying “When we pump the petrol into the tank, it creates foam and vapour (which) occupies the tank. When we wait for the vapour and foam to dissipate, that's when you can pump more petrol into the tank.” This makes shaking ineffective as everything is already at the top instead of within the liquid. Online chatter Back to our usual Facebook clownery, people made fun of the shaking and rightfully deemed it useless. However, some people took offense to the footage being recorded in the first place, saying the person who took the footage had nothing better to do as the driver did nothing illegal. Writer’s thoughts: I was treated very well as a kid I just needed to get your attention for this article lol. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

You might want to reconsider your next holiday destination after this story. What happened? 3 robbers robbed a man from his car while in front of Teega Suites in JB at the drop-off lobby. The robbers used weapons such as hatchets and a machete in order to break the Toyota’s windows and harm the victim. The Toyota was unable to move due to a Honda Civic blocking his way, and an unidentified white car at the back, leaving the victim stuck in the car as the robbers came from the left and right sides of the vehicle. The entire robbery seems premeditated as the white car and the Civic also repositioned themselves to block the Toyota after it was temporarily able to break free. However, one of the accomplices was caught by the police following a chase. Coincidentally, new vs old Civic. And the new one won! Facebook comments were mainly about the lack of safety in Malaysia. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

TL;DR - Shame shame as this cheapo Toyota Hiace evades parking fee by tailgating after alighting passengers at Parklane. To be specific, a couple of well-endowed chio-bus’. This Hiace driver in the video seems like a pretty experienced tailgater. Watch this 84-second video clip to see what i mean. What happened? The incident took place at Parklane shopping mall’s car park where the Hiace tried to follow closely (and succeeded) to tailgate the car in front of him, just to avoid paying for parking. The video footag shows that the driver had just dropped a group of skimpily dressed ‘chio-bus’ (not that we can tell from the footage but I’d think so) off, where netizens are assuming they are working at one of the bars/KTV there. Online Chatter Undoubtedly, there has been an increased occurrence of payment evasion offences, with most being committed by tailgating. Is it worth committing an offence just to save a few bucks? Hmm. Cautionary Reminder A motorist who fails to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and as a result is involved in an accident, may be charged with the offence of Driving Without Due Care or Reasonable Consideration. The first offence carries a fine not exceeding $1,500, an imprisonment term not exceeding six months, or both. Subsequent offences carry higher penalties. (Source: MHA Gov) ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

Source: https://www.motor1.com/news/653238/nissan-says-rav4-hybrid-economy-unrealistic/ Automakers are not above taking shots at each other for performance claims like real-world fuel economy. Most recently, Nissan took aim at Toyota's RAV4 hybrid indicating the fuel economy ratings on the popular small SUV are exaggerated. Case in point, the Nissan X-Trail e-Power uses a gasoline engine to recharge the onboard lithium-ion battery and gets an estimated 6.1 liters per 100km, or about 38.6 mpg. By comparison, the Toyota RAV4 uses a conventional hybrid system that delivers an estimated 4.7 liters per 100 km, or the equivalent of 50 mpg, a fuel economy increase of about 30 percent. Nissan indicates that the fuel economy differences between the two vehicles are not as far apart as the estimates suggest and believe the real-world performance is closer. "I think with the fuel economy, it's a tricky one. We'll leave it in your hands to do the real-world testing. But from a lot of the articles I've seen for RAV4 Hybrid, you can't get anywhere near 4.8 (liters per hundred kilometers)," says Aleksandar Pecanac, Nissan Australia's product manager for X-Trail. Nissan goes on to claim that its X-Trail e-Power system delivers a superior driving experience. According to Adam Robertson, deputy director of the Nissan Technical Center in Europe, the X-Trail drives "More like an EV, and we know from our experience with EVs that customers love it." Robertson goes on to say, "EVs have the highest level of satisfaction for acceleration, and that's not just the outright performance for a car like the Porsche Taycan. That's all EVs. "We also know that traditional hybrids have the lowest satisfaction. We wanted to capture the customer experience that they really like and bring that in with e-Power." The Nissan X-Trail e-Power launched last fall in Japan and Europe as an electrified version of the Rogue. The automaker has not yet indicated if and when it will bring the e-Power version of the Nissan Rogue to the US. Currently, Nissan's US website only mentions the e-Power on the Nissan Leaf.

TL;DR - A Toyota Hiace with illegal modifications refused to stop and even sped off from the Traffic Police. [UPDATE 15/02/23, Wednesday] - Mission to escape the traffic police failed as the Toyota Hiace was found abandoned in one of the multi-storey car parks in Yishun. MIA driver though. Watch these two videos fresh out the oven of the great escapade by the van driver. Part 2 Part 3 After beating the red light, speeding against the traffic and fleeing from the police, the van was finally found stranded in a MSCP. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In the movies, high-speed police chases are often thrilling and sometimes explosive, but on the streets of Singapore it is a different story. Want to be fast and furious, at least not with a van lah… Watch this 36-second video to see just how fast this van accelerated to evade the traffic police. What happened? A Toyota Hiace was caught zooming across the not-so-empty road in Yishun, with a traffic police chasing closely from behind. Rumors have it that the van was carrying drugs, which caused his fight-or-flight response to bolt off. Surely something’s sus about the van driver, be it the illegal modifications of his van, carrying drugs or whatnot. No matter what, he is definitely getting charged for traffic violations - it is against the law to elude any authorized (police) officer. Online Chatter Even a Ferrari cannot outdrive Singapore’s traffic police, did this van driver really think he had a chance? Bo beh zao man... Takeaway Never think you can outwin the SPF. Be a safe driver, do the right things and you won’t fear seeing the law enforcers. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automobiles/Toyota-to-develop-new-Lexus-EV-for-2026-incoming-president?utm_campaign=GL_JP_update&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=4&pub_date=20230214085958&seq_num=3&si=44594 Toyota to develop new Lexus EV for 2026: incoming president Koji Sato says company will first focus on making such cars for high-end market Toyota's first electric Lexus, the RZ, will be launched this year. (Photo by Hirofumi Yamamoto) SAYUMI TAKE, Nikkei staff writerFebruary 13, 2023 20:19 JST TOKYO -- Japanese automaker Toyota plans to develop a "next-generation" all-electric Lexus model by 2026 to meet rising demand for such luxury cars, according to the company's incoming president. "We aim to develop a next-generation battery EV in the Lexus brand in which everything from batteries and platforms to the way the car is built will be optimized for BEVs," said Koji Sato. As current chief of the brand, he oversaw the development of the first electric Lexus, the RZ, which is expected to be launched this year. BEVs refer to all-electric vehicles that are generally called EVs by other automakers, but Toyota uses this name to distinguish them from the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles that it also makes. Sato, who will replace Akio Toyoda in April as the new president and CEO of Toyota, made a speech and answered reporters' questions at a news conference on Monday. He named seven others who will form the new management team with him and talked about his plan to transform Toyota from a carmaker to a mobility company. "To deliver appealing BEVs, we need to drastically change the way we do business, from manufacturing to sales and service, with a BEV-first mindset," Sato said. "Lexus will lead this transformation." Koji Sato will take over as president of Toyota in April. (Screenshot from Toyota Motor's YouTube page) He pointed to the EV shift in developed countries, which is the main market for the Lexus brand, and said that Toyota is trying to meet such rising needs. Sato, a veteran Toyota engineer, said that electricity has "a different influence on aerodynamics... We have to sufficiently understand the characteristics of electricity... and take a step further and manufacture [the cars] in the best suited way." Toyota has faced criticism from environmentalists and investors for failing to catch up with its peers in the development of EVs. Sato pointed out that the emphasis on the electrification of Lexus was part of Toyota's goal to provide a range of vehicles that can meet demand from all buyers. "The energy situation is different in each country, and Toyota's unchanging policy is to consider the circumstances of each country," he said. Asked about concerns over Toyota's EV strategy, Sato said he regretted that there were "communication issues" around the matter. Toyota's EV strategy is for the mid to long term and it is currently focused on energy-saving efforts and cutting emissions from its models by using hydrogen fuel-cells and other technologies in addition to batteries, as well as in its day-to-day business operations.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automobiles/Tesla-earns-5-times-more-per-car-than-Toyota-earnings-show?utm_campaign=GL_JP_update&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=4&pub_date=20230210085958&seq_num=6&si=44594 Tesla earns 5 times more per car than Toyota, earnings show EV maker catching up to Japan's top automaker in net profit Tesla electric vehicles at a sales and service center in California. The U.S. EV maker has a limited lineup of just four high-end models. © Reuters KEI MIYATA and YUKI FUKUMOTO, Nikkei staff writersFebruary 10, 2023 05:20 JST NAGOYA, Japan -- Toyota Motor earned less than a fifth in per-vehicle earnings compared with Tesla during the April-December period as Japan's giant automaker struggles to absorb rising costs. Toyota earned 240,000 yen ($1,820) in net profit per unit during that time span last year. In contrast, Tesla raked in the equivalent of 1.26 million yen per vehicle during the same period. This discrepancy shows the limits of Toyota's "multi-solution" strategy that puts out gasoline vehicles alongside fuel cell and electric vehicles. The wide-ranging approach has exposed Toyota to a costlier business environment while Tesla has remained more insulated by its EV-focused lineup. During the nine months ended December 2022, Toyota's raw material costs increased 1.1 trillion yen compared with a year earlier. Toyota expects 210 billion yen in groupwide cost savings for the financial year ending March, but that number falls well short of offsetting the extra costs. The trend is particularly conspicuous in Toyota's North American operations, where it is normally easier to pass on higher costs to sticker prices compared with Japan. In the three quarters through December, Toyota earned 49.2 billion yen in operating profit in North America, a decline of roughly 450 billion yen from the year-earlier period. The company suffered an operating loss in that region during the October-December quarter. "The price hikes on vehicles haven't kept up" with increased material costs, said a manager. In Japan, an executive at a parts supplier in Aichi prefecture that works with Toyota expressed a sense of relief despite facing rising fuel expenses. "It looks like Toyota will pay for 70%-80% of it," said the executive. Toyota has been partly covering energy bills and material costs for suppliers since summer last year. The parts supplier in Aichi has successfully negotiated a deal with Toyota in which the automaker will shoulder most of the extra fuel costs. "There's no other automaker that takes care of electricity and gas bills like Toyota," said a senior manager at another parts supplier. A Toyota dealership in Michigan. Toyota Motor's North American operation has been unable to cover cost increases through price hikes. © Reuters Globally, Toyota does business with roughly 400 first-tier suppliers alone. Covering fuel and material outlays for that number of suppliers is a highly cost intensive endeavor. Toyota looks to maintain its supply chain so that it can realize cost savings jointly with suppliers, though much of the scale comes from the fact that Toyota, the world's top-selling automaker, has adopted a strategy that spans roughly 50 models from gasoline vehicles to EVs. Because of that full-lineup business model, the higher costs have started to weigh on Toyota. The company's per-vehicle profit in April-December is down by 56,000 yen from a year earlier, while Tesla is up by the equivalent of 500,000 yen. Unlike Toyota's wide-ranging lineup, Tesla fields just four high-end models. Since 2021, Tesla has significantly expanded its production and sales volume, which improved the company's earning capacity. For the three quarters through December, Tesla earned the equivalent of 1.26 trillion yen in net profit, which is closing in on the 1.9 trillion yen Toyota generated during the same period. BYD, the Chinese maker of mass-market EVs, is earning between 190,000 yen to 200,000 yen per vehicle and is gaining on Toyota. Last year, BYD sold 1.86 million electrics, including plug-in hybrids, a volume that is up by a factor of 3.1. This momentum comes courtesy of BYD's vertical integration. The company manufactures automotive batteries in-house and controls a subsidiary that makes semiconductors. BYD is quickly expanding operations worldwide, the latest move being the launch of EV sales in Japan this January. Along with Tesla, BYD is steadily making a name for itself through its strong earning capacity. For Toyota to stage a comeback against the rivals, the company faces the immediate challenge of boosting production volume. Toyota plans to sell up to 10.6 million units this calendar year under the Toyota and Lexus brands. If Toyota achieves its production goals, it would be able to use its economy of scale to bring costs down while not missing out on sale opportunities. Raising prices on vehicles would likely become easier under this scenario. However, ramping up production is easier said than done. Toyota on Thursday said it plans to only make 9.1 million units this fiscal year, a downgrade of 100,000 units due to a semiconductor shortage. Toyota looks to respond by minimizing the number of semiconductors used per vehicle. For example, if each Lexus vehicle comes with just one keyless fob instead of two, that would free Toyota to manufacture roughly 100,000 extra vehicles. In addition, Toyota group company Aisin is redesigning transmissions and other components it produces. Aisin is adopting designs that can accommodate off-the-shelf semiconductors. This spring, Lexus will add the fully electric RZ to its lineup. Koji Sato, Toyota's incoming president, oversaw the development of the model. Toyota plans to expand its EV lineup, an approach that had been delayed by the company's multi-solution strategy.